Contrary to popular opinion, Aaron Rodgers is not leading around Robert Saleh and the New York Jets by the nose
Aaron Rodgers has demands for the New York Jets? Baloney.
When the report came out that Rodgers gave the Jets player requests, the national media ran with the narrative. The Jets were made to look like fools for allowing Rodgers to dictate their personnel. Never mind that Peyton Manning and Tom Brady did the same thing when they switched teams. The narrative pervaded.
So far, Rodgers’ time in New York has been euphoric. It has a honeymoon feel, the 39-year-old feeling optimistic and rejuvenated on the world’s biggest stage. Positive vibes permeate the Rodgersphere.
Still, there’s persistent external noise rooting for Rodgers to fail. The idea that Rodgers is leading the Jets around by the nose has not abated. It’s just on mute in the New York media.
In a press conference, Robert Saleh made comments about Rodgers that soundly debunked this myth. He was asked whether Rodgers will try to get involved in the play-calling once more just as he called the bomb from Zach Wilson to Malik Taylor in the Hall of Fame Game.
“He puts in his suggestions, but one great thing about Aaron is that he is very respectful to that line, to that position of power that we’ve—not allowed him, but we’re leaning on him, obviously,” Saleh said. “I’ve been very vocal about it. He’s such an unbelievable human.
“He’s very respectful in not abusing it, in terms of, just, ‘Hey, this is my view,’ and if we disagree, ‘That’s perfect, coach, thanks for your insight,'” Saleh continued. “And then there’s times where I’m like, ‘[Bleep], Aaron, that’s really, really good. We’ll implement it.’ Right now, it’s been a really good team effort, and I anticipate it continuing that way. He’s just been phenomenal.”
So much for Rodgers being the commander-in-chief. While Saleh and Joe Douglas value his input, the demand narrative was just another figment of media imagination.
